What is IGCSE Physics? Overview for Students

Introduction: Why Learn IGCSE Physics?

Ever wondered why your phone charges wirelessly? Or how doctors use X-rays to see inside your body? Maybe you've thought about what makes roller coasters so thrilling, or how solar panels turn sunlight into electricity?

The answer to all these questions is physics.

International GCSE (IGCSE) Physics helps you understand the world around you. It's not just about memorising facts from a textbook. It's about discovering how things work, why they happen, and how we can use that knowledge to solve real problems.

But if you're choosing your IGCSE subjects right now, you might have questions. What topics will you study? How hard is it really? What exams will you take? And most importantly, is it the right choice for you?

That's exactly what this guide is here to answer.

This guide is for students who are either picking their IGCSEs or just starting the course. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about IGCSE Physics, from the topics you'll cover to how you'll be assessed. We'll also share practical study tips and show you where physics can take you in the future.

Ready? Let's dive in.

What Does IGCSE Physics Cover?

IGCSE Physics covers a range of fascinating topics. The exact structure varies slightly between exam boards, but the core content is very similar.

Here's what you'll study:

• Forces and Motion – You'll learn why objects move, stop, and change direction. This includes speed, acceleration, friction, and Newton's laws of motion. Think about cars braking, rockets launching, and parachutes falling.

• Energy – This section looks at different energy types, how energy is transferred between objects, and the concept of energy efficiency. You'll explore renewable energy sources and why conserving energy matters for our planet.

• Thermal Physics – You'll learn about temperature, heat transfer, and how particles behave when heated or cooled. This includes density, pressure, and the properties of solids, liquids and gases. It helps explain why ice floats and why balloons expand when heated.

• Waves – You'll study sound waves, light waves, and the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes reflection, refraction, and how waves transfer energy. It's the science behind how mirrors work, why objects appear bent in water, and how mobile phone signals travel.

• Electricity and Magnetism – This topic covers electrical circuits, current, voltage, and resistance. You'll also explore magnets, electromagnets, and how electricity and magnetism work together. This is the science behind how we produce the electricity that powers our homes.

• Nuclear Physics – This topic introduces atomic structure, radioactive decay, and nuclear energy. You'll learn what holds atoms together and what happens when they break apart. It's the physics behind medical treatments and nuclear power stations.

• Space Physics – You'll explore our solar system, gravity, and the life cycle of stars. This topic covers satellites, how the universe formed, and what happens to stars when they die.

The exact content covered depends on the exam board you study. But don't worry about the differences. The core content you need to learn is very similar across all boards.

How is IGCSE Physics Assessed?

IGCSE Physics is assessed through written exams. The exact structure depends on which exam board your school uses.

Let's break down how each board works.

Exam Board Differences (CIE vs Edexcel vs Oxford AQA)

The three main exam boards for IGCSE Physics are Cambridge International (CIE) (opens in a new tab), Edexcel (opens in a new tab) or Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab)

All three boards cover similar content. But they assess you in slightly different ways.

CIE offers two versions of the IGCSE Physics qualification:

• IGCSE Physics (0625) – graded from A* to G

• IGCSE (9–1) Physics (0972) – graded from 9 to 1.

Within each version, students can choose between the Core and Extended routes. Core covers the essential content and awards grades C to G (or 5 to 1). Extended covers more challenging material and awards grades A* to G (9 to 1). Most students aiming for top grades take the Extended papers.

Edexcel structures its course differently, with all students taking the same papers. The difficulty increases throughout the exam, giving everyone a chance to demonstrate their knowledge.

Oxford AQA follows a similar approach to Edexcel, with papers designed to test students at all ability levels.

Your school will choose which exam board you take. You don't usually get to pick yourself.

Want a detailed breakdown of each exam board by topic? Check out our IGCSE Physics Topics by Exam Board: Full List Guide for complete coverage of every subject area.

Breakdown of Exam Papers

Here's how each exam board structures their assessments:

Cambridge International (CIE) GCSE

CIE offers two routes: Core and Extended. 

• Core candidates take Papers 1, 3, and a practical paper (Paper 5 or 6)

• Extended candidates take Papers 2, 4, and a practical paper (Paper 5 or 6).

Edexcel International GCSE

Edexcel assesses all students on the same two papers. The core content relates to content that is also found in the IGCSE in Science (Double Award):

Oxford AQA International GCSE

Oxford AQA also uses two papers that all students take:

Theory vs Practical Assessment

Most exam boards assess practical skills through written exam questions rather than separate practical exams. You'll complete practical work during your course, but your teacher won't formally grade it.

Instead, the exam papers include questions about experimental methods, data analysis, and evaluating results. These questions test whether you understand how to design experiments, collect data safely, and draw conclusions from evidence.

Some schools following the Cambridge International course offer an Alternative to Practical paper. This replaces hands-on practical assessment with written questions about experiments.

Is IGCSE Physics Hard?

Let's be honest. IGCSE Physics has a reputation for being challenging.

Many students find it tougher than other subjects. But here's the important bit: challenging doesn't mean impossible.

Physics requires you to think logically. You need to understand concepts, not just memorise facts. And yes, there's maths involved. You'll use equations, rearrange formulas, and interpret graphs.

But here's what helps:

Good maths skills make physics much easier. If you're comfortable with basic algebra and can rearrange equations, you're already ahead. Most of the maths is GCSE Foundation level, nothing too scary.

Logical thinking matters more than raw memory. Physics rewards students who can work through problems step by step. You don't need to be a genius. You just need to be methodical.

Curiosity genuinely helps. Students who wonder "why" rather than just accepting "what" tend to enjoy physics more. And when you enjoy something, it feels less difficult.

The best news? Success in IGCSE Physics isn't about natural talent. It's about consistent practice, good resources, and the right support.

Thousands of students achieve top grades every year. Many of them weren't physics prodigies. They just worked steadily and used effective study methods.

Still worried about the difficulty? Read our detailed guide on Is IGCSE Physics Hard? for honest advice and strategies to succeed.

Top Study Tips for IGCSE Physics

Want to do well in IGCSE Physics? Here are the strategies that actually work.

Use Past Papers Early

Don't wait until a few weeks before exams to start using past papers.

Start practising with real exam questions from the beginning of your course. This helps you understand what examiners actually ask and how they word questions.

Past papers also help you spot patterns. You'll notice that certain topics come up frequently. Some question types appear again and again. Once you recognise these patterns, you can focus your revision on what matters most.

Plus, doing past papers under timed conditions builds your exam technique. You'll learn to manage your time and avoid common mistakes.

Master the Equations

Physics uses lots of equations, and what you’re expected to remember depends on your exam board. CIE requires you to learn all the equations. Oxford AQA provides a separate Physics Equation Sheet (see appendix 6.4 of the specification (opens in a new tab)) with everything you’ll need in the exam. Edexcel includes some equations within the exam paper, but you’ll still need to memorise the rest. It’s worth checking an Edexcel IGCSE past paper to see which equations are usually provided.

If you need to learn the equations, try creating your own formula sheet with all the important ones written out. Include what each symbol means and the correct units. Review it regularly until the equations start to stick.

But memorising isn't enough. You need to practise using equations in different contexts. That's where questions come in.

Flashcards work brilliantly for learning equations. Put the equation on one side and an example question on the other. Test yourself regularly.

The more you practice applying formulas to solve problems, the more automatic it becomes. Soon you won't even need to think about which equation to use. You'll just know.

Practice Data and Graph Questions

Data analysis questions appear in every IGCSE Physics exam.

You'll need to read values from graphs, plot your own graphs, calculate gradients, and draw conclusions from experimental results.

These questions often catch students out. Not because they're impossibly hard, but because students don't practice them enough.

Spend time working on questions that involve:

• Reading scales and taking measurements

• Drawing lines of best fit

• Calculating gradients and areas under graphs

• Describing relationships between variables

• Evaluating experimental methods

The good news? Once you've practised these skills, they become straightforward. Data questions often follow predictable patterns, so familiarity really helps.

What Can You Do With Physics After IGCSE?

IGCSE Physics opens doors to exciting opportunities.

Further Study

If you enjoy IGCSE Physics, you might consider taking it further with A Level Physics or IB Physics. These qualifications go deeper into the topics you've started exploring at IGCSE.

A Level Physics is particularly valued by universities. It's essential for many STEM degrees and shows you can handle challenging, analytical subjects.

University Degrees

Physics is required or highly desirable for degrees in:

• Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace)

• Physics and Theoretical Physics

• Computer Science

• Medicine (alongside Chemistry and Biology)

• Architecture

• Materials Science

• Natural Sciences

Many universities specify that they want to see Physics at IGCSE level, even if they don't require it at A Level.

Career Paths

Physics skills are valuable across many industries:

• Engineering and technology development

• Healthcare (medical physics, radiography)

• Energy sector (renewable energy, nuclear power)

• Research and development

• Software and app development

• Aviation and aerospace

• Environmental science

• Finance and data analysis

According to the (opens in a new tab)Institute of Physics (opens in a new tab), physics opens the doors to many rewarding and cutting-edge careers. Employers value the problem-solving and analytical skills that physics develops.

Even if you don't pursue a physics career directly, the skills you gain are transferable. Critical thinking, data analysis, and logical problem-solving are useful in almost any field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between GCSE and IGCSE Physics?

IGCSE and GCSE Physics cover very similar content. Both explore the fundamental laws of physics and their application to the real world.

The main differences are:

• IGCSE is internationally recognised and taken by students worldwide. GCSE is mainly taken in UK schools.

• IGCSE has slightly different assessment structures. Some exam boards offer Core and Extended tiers, while others assess all students on the same papers.

• IGCSE used to focus more on exam-based assessment. However, this has changed in recent years, with all qualifications now including practical components.

Universities and employers recognise both qualifications equally. Neither is considered harder or better than the other. They're just slightly different routes to the same destination.

Do I need to be good at maths for IGCSE Physics?

It helps, but you don't need to be a maths genius.

Physics involves calculations, equations, and graph work. If you're comfortable with basic algebra, rearranging formulas, and working with numbers, you'll be fine.

Most of the maths in IGCSE Physics is at Foundation GCSE Maths level. You'll use:

• Basic arithmetic and percentages

• Algebraic rearrangement

• Reading and drawing graphs

• Working with ratios and proportions

• Using standard form

If maths isn't your strongest subject, don't panic. The maths in physics often feels different from maths lessons because you're applying it to real situations. Many students who struggle with pure maths actually find physics calculations easier because they have context.

Taking GCSE Maths or IGCSE Maths alongside Physics definitely helps. The skills support each other. But you don't need to be top of your maths class to succeed in physics.

Final Thoughts

IGCSE Physics is an exciting subject that helps you understand how the world works.

You'll explore everything from tiny atoms to massive galaxies. You'll learn why objects move, how electricity flows, and what holds matter together. And you'll develop valuable skills in problem-solving, logical thinking, and data analysis.

Is it challenging? Yes. But it's also absolutely achievable with the right approach.

Success in IGCSE Physics comes from consistent effort, regular practice, and good resources. You don't need to be naturally brilliant at science. You just need curiosity, determination, and effective study strategies.

At Save My Exams, we've got everything you need to succeed in IGCSE Physics:

• Revision notes covering every topic in clear, student-friendly language

• Practice questions organised by topic with detailed mark schemes

• Past papers from all major exam boards

• Model answers showing exactly what examiners look for

Ready to start your physics journey? Explore our IGCSE Physics resources and give yourself the best chance of success.

Remember: every physicist, engineer, and scientist started exactly where you are now. With the right support and consistent effort, you can absolutely smash IGCSE Physics.

References

• Cambridge International Education - IGCSE Physics Syllabus (opens in a new tab)

• Pearson Edexcel - International GCSE Physics Specification (opens in a new tab)

• Oxford AQA - International GCSE Physics Specification (opens in a new tab)

• IGCSE Physics Topics by Exam Board: Full List 

• Is IGCSE Physics Hard? A Teacher's Honest Guide

• Physics Past Papers

• A Level Physics

• IB Physics

• Institute of Physics - Your future with physics: A guide for young peopl (opens in a new tab)e

• Save My Exams IGCSE Physics Revision Resources

• GCSE Maths Revision Resources 

• IGCSE Maths Revision Resources